Curriculum and Learning Task Force

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both challenges and opportunities for higher education. To proactively respond, the DAC Initiative, in partnership with ND Learning, established a Task Force on Data, AI and Computing Integration in and for Curriculum and Learning. The task force explored recommendations on if and how data, AI, and computing should be thoughtfully and strategically integrated into the university’s academic offerings. 

During fall 2025 and early spring 2026, the task force prepared recommendations on new courses, programs, and degrees that might be advisable at the undergraduate and graduate level, and what services, training, or tools are needed to support faculty and students in the effective and responsible use of AI in teaching, learning, and assessment. These recommendations will shape future DAC educational components and prepare students for an AI-infused world and to support faculty in responding to or innovating with AI and computational tools in their teaching.

Task Force Members

  • Patrick Flynn, Task Force Co-Chair, Undergraduate Lead
    Fritz Duda Family Professor of Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering
  • Michael Hildreth, Task Force Co-Chair, Graduate Lead
    Dean of the Graduate School; Associate Provost and Vice President for Graduate Studies; Professor, Department of Physics & Astronomy

Undergraduate Focus Group

  • John Behrens, Professor of the Practice and Director, Technology and Digital Studies Program; Director, College of Arts & Letters Office of Digital Strategy
  • Mark Caprio, Professor, Department of Physics & Astronomy
  • Patrick Flynn, the Fritz Duda Family Professor of Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering
  • Robert Goulding, Associate Professor; Director, Graduate Program in History and Philosophy of Science; Director, Reilly Center for Science, Technology, and Values
  • Jeff Harden, the Andrew J. McKenna Family College Professor, Political Science
  • Ryan McClarren, Professor, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering; Director of Graduate Studies
  • Ron Metoyer, Vice President and Associate Provost for Teaching and Learning
  • Michael Niemier, Professor and Associate Department Chair, Computer Science and Engineering
  • Kasey Swanke, Associate Advising Professor; Associate Director, Undergraduate Major in Global Affairs, Keough School of Global Affairs
  • Anthony Tsiantis, Undergraduate Student, Computer Science and Engineering
  • Victoria Woodard, Associate Teaching Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies
  • Heng Xu, Professor, IT, Analytics, and Operations

Graduate Focus Group

  • Ahmed Abbasi, Joe and Jane Giovanini Professor of IT, Analytics, and Operations; Academic Director of the Ph.D. Program in Analytics, IT, Analytics, and Operations
  • Mike Ferdig, Professor, Biological Sciences
  • Michael Hildreth, Dean of the Graduate School, Associate Provost and Vice President for Graduate Studies, and Professor of Physics and Astronomy
  • Christian Matthes, Professor, Economics
  • Robert Rosenbaum, Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics
  • Brett Savoie, Deputy Director, Data, AI & Computing Initiative; the Coyle Mission Collegiate Professor of Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
  • Douglas Thain, Professor, Computer Science and Engineering